Diplomatic Security Service

Diplomatic Security Service
Seal of the Diplomatic Security Service
Seal of the Diplomatic Security Service
DSS special agent badge
DSS special agent badge
AbbreviationDSS
Agency overview
Formed1916: Bureau of Secret Intelligence
1945: Office of Security
1985: Diplomatic Security Service
Jurisdictional structure
Operations jurisdictionUnited States
Operational structure
HeadquartersWashington, D.C.
Agents2,200+ (Authorized) <2000 (2022)
Assistant secretary responsible
Agency executive
  • Carlos Matus, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director
Parent agencyBureau of Diplomatic Security of the U.S. Department of State
Tactical unitsMobile Security Deployments
Facilities
Field offices8
Resident offices15
Overseas offices285
Website
diplomaticsecurity.state.gov

The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the principal security and law enforcement agency of the United States Department of State (DOS).[1] As the operational division of DOS Bureau of Diplomatic Security, its primary mission is to provide security to protect diplomatic assets, personnel, and information, and combat visa and passport fraud. DSS also conducts counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybersecurity and criminal investigations domestically and abroad.

Originating in diplomatic security measures implemented during the First World War, DSS was formally established in 1985 following the deadly 1983 bombings of the U.S. embassy and Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.[2] It is the leading U.S. law enforcement agency abroad and the most widely deployed in the world, protecting 275 U.S. diplomatic missions in over 170 countries and 29 U.S. cities.[3] As employees of the U.S. State Department, DSS special agents are unique in U.S. federal law enforcement for also being members of the Foreign Service.

DSS' most visible activity is providing security to the U.S. Secretary of State, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and other senior diplomats. As part of its duty to provide a safe and secure environment for U.S. diplomacy, DSS also protects foreign dignitaries, advises U.S. ambassadors on security matters, and manages security programs for international events, often in cooperation with domestic and foreign counterparts.[4]

  1. ^ Diplomatic Security Service: Then & Now. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, p. 69.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference briefhistory was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Bureau of Diplomatic Security". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2020-12-11.
  4. ^ "Bureau of Diplomatic Security". State.gov. 2012-05-11. Retrieved 2012-05-17.

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